For the second year in a row, HHC's Office of Special Projects hosted a team of graduate students from the New York University Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service to work on a real-world health project as part of their master's degree Capstone requirement.

Five students worked on the concept of a Naturally Occurring Healthcare Community, or NOHC, a comprehensive community health model developed by the Office of Special Projects. The group produced an extensive report that includes research, analysis, and proposals on the viability of a NOHC in East Harlem. The proposed healthcare community would focus on overall wellness, build on existing services, and engage members of the community to improve outcomes.

The grad students, all of whom hold jobs in healthcare, are: Kelly Barsan, Ellie Brophy, Erik Halaas, Julia Levine, and Alex Merati. They recently presented the results of their project to HHC staff, including senior leaders from Harlem and Metropolitan hospitals and representatives from Medical and Professional Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations. At HHC they worked with Joe Schick, Executive Director of The Fund for HHC and Office of Special Projects; and Michael Lettera, Senior Director of the Office of Special Projects.

“Our collaboration with NYU Wagner is a great example of how HHC is providing a valuable, real-world experience to future healthcare leaders,” Lettera said. “Simultaneously, the students are providing us with the energy and resources to move forward with our innovative programs.”